KINGSPORT — Police are investigating a string of early Monday morning auto burglaries in west Kingsport, including the theft of a Sullivan County Sheriff's Office lieutenant's badge, department issued weapon and bullet proof vests.

Kingsport Police Department Lt. Bob Abernathy says entry was made into three vehicles parked in a residential area off West Stone Drive. Nothing appears to have been stolen from two of the vehicles, according to Abernathy, though multiple items were taken from an unmarked SCSO squad car.

Sullivan County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Leslie Earhart says the vehicle was parked outside the home of a SCSO detective. Multiple items of department issued equipment were reportedly stolen from the car: handcuffs, a .40-caliber Glock and magazine, two bullet proof vests, gold Lieutenant's badge and GPS unit.